Alendronate

ALEND = a lend + RONATE = ronite (like kryptonite)

Break alendronate into ALEND (sounds like a lend) and RONATE (sounds like ronite, a special alloy like kryptonite). Imagine alendronite, a super-alloy that reinforces your skeleton to keep it hard. Osteoclasts are constantly breaking bone down, and alendronate turns them off, so the bone stays lent to you instead of lost. Alendronite, the special alloy that keeps your bones hard.

Bone ALEND = a lend | RONATE = ronite, the bone alloy

1

Alendronate is a bisphosphonate. It binds hydroxyapatite in bone and inhibits osteoclasts, inducing their apoptosis, thereby slowing bone resorption and improving bone density. It is first-line for osteoporosis and is used in Paget disease.

2

Because the pill is toxic to the esophagus, it must be taken with a full glass of water while sitting or standing upright for at least 30 minutes. Long-term use carries the risks of osteonecrosis of the jaw.